Thursday, February 01, 2007

Today was such a great day!

I’m finally starting to get some nguvu (energy in Swahili) back in my old body.  Glad to be on the mend.  Not my usual Tiger Tank self, but getting there.

This morning I went out with a new partner from First Baptist Atlanta–Paula Martin.  I took her over to Azalea Place, Huntington Creek and Huntington Station to introduce her to the managers and get her keys to the apartments.  She’s leading a team of singles from FBA to host valentines parties on February 11th.  I’m sure that the kids will have a great time and so will the singles.  This mission stuff is a win-win for everyone!

After visiting the missions we went over to my “Office Dos”—commonly referred to as El Torreros.  I’ve probably taken 200 people to eat over there over the years.  As we ordered, I was taken aback when she started speaking Spanish to the waiter.  I hardly EVER hear gringos speak anything but English.  I was shocked.  As we talked, I felt led by the Spirit to share with her about the Mission Service Corps program with NAMB.  She seemed very interested in the idea of raising her support as a NAMB missionary.  Very exciting to have passionate folks like Paula even considering being on the team.

Seems like lately I’ve had a number of folks I’ve led in that direction.

I’m not sure if you like movies, but my favorites are always the team building themes, whether it’s for a football team, military operation or bank theft.  I love the idea of all these different characters coming together bringing their unique gifts that results in winning the big game.  I’m all about the TEAM, baby!

I regularly have people tell me, “We need 10 more Tim Cummins!”  I’m not sure if that’s a good idea but I’m doing my best to replicate myself as many times as possible.  Pray that the Father will continue to put people in my sphere of influence that I can get in the game.

After my meeting wtih Paula I went over to my office to work on email and catch up on phone calls.  I have a cell phone, but I’m a believer in giving whomever I’m with my total attention.  When I get you on the phone, you have my total attention. Otherwise you go to voice mail.

Then on to Kensington Station with some of my favorite partners: Pastor Robert and Shelita Carter and Minister McGee.  I had an INCREDIBLE time with them introducing them to the manager of the largest apartment complex in Georgia–Carlos Martinez.  He’s a super cool guy and really interested in helping this complex come back from being a total war zone to a happy, healthy community.  When I first started working over there the cops would ask me, “What kind of piece are you carrying?  Glock, Smith and Wesson?” When I told them “the Bible,” you’d always see their eyebrows go up  like I was crazy.  Maybe I was.  “We never go there without back up.  Never.”

I always have back up, too.  Regular folks just can’t see Him.

The Carters have enormous experience working in challenging areas like Kensington Station (located on Memorial Drive just behind the Dekalb Jail).  When I first started talking to Carlos about this location I was really led by the Father to contact the Carters.  It’s taken some time but it looks like ministry is going to take off over there.

Made me think of Chris Skinner with Atlanta Youth Project–another of my favorite partners.  Two years ago he faithfully ran a basketball program for the kids there.  Because of his work the door was wide open for us now.  Blessings on you Chris!  He’s having a wonderful  ministry at Avondale High School.

After our time at Kensington Station, we went over to Willow Branch to meet with Bennett Ekandem and the team helping the kids there.  I get SUCH a kick out of seeing all these friends of mine get together, sharing, getting fired up about what the Father is doing.  Ray Vaughn with I Teams, Renee with Campus Crusade, Carters with Greater Faith Ministry, Bennett with Family Heritage Foundation. . . .what a crackerjack team!  As we gathered in a circle, Sister Shelita prayed for me as the Barringtons, Diane Sheintal and I head to Niger.  I dig Shelita!  She gets to praying and it’s a Holy Spirit thing!

My friend, I’m not sure where you are in your spiritual journey.  But PLUG IN wherever you are.  You miss the blessings of seeing the Father work all around you.  There is nothing better.

I dig being in the Whirlwind!

Peace.